Statistics show a decline in road fatalities for the period January to September of this year compared to the same period last year, a police press release issued yesterday said.

According to the release available statistics show that up to September 14, 2008 a total of 51,226 cases have been made against defaulting motorists as the Zero Tolerance Traffic Enforcement “Operation Safeway” continues across the country.

The most prevalent offences are as follows: speeding 14,012; overloaded minibuses 4,221; unlicensed drivers  1,648; failure to wear seatbelts 1,344; failure to wear safety helmets 1,629, breach of insurance 832; breach of traffic light signal 854; breach of road service licence 946; obstruction 5,221 cases and stopping within 30feet of a corner 6,183 cases.

The release said that enforcement efforts of the ranks, coupled with traffic education activities have resulted in a significant decrease in road fatalities for the said period.

In 2007 there were 116 accidents, 136 deaths and 19 children died; while in 2008 there were 66 accidents, a decrease by 66%, 77 deaths, a decrease by 43%, and three children have died so far,  a decrease by 84%.

The categories of road users who have died as a result of traffic accidents for 2008 so far are as follows: pedestrians 25, pedal cyclists 9, motor cyclists 12, pillion riders 5, drivers 11, passengers in motor cars 7, passengers in lorries/vans 4, passengers in motor buses 4.

The categories of vehicles involved in fatal accidents for 2008 are as follows: private cars 18, motor cycles 17, minibuses 13, bicycles 9, motor pick-up 9, motor lorries 11,  hire cars 7, motor vans 2, tractor/trailers 2 and motor jeep 1 person.

The release further stated that of the 66 fatal accidents this year 36 were due to speeding, 8 resulted from driving under the influence of alcohol and 7 occurred because of the failure of motorists to comply with traffic signs.